MUMBAI: Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which is celebrating 2006 as the Discover Hong Kong Year, launched its promotional campaign in India. The 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year campaign is a part of the organisation's global initiatives to promote the country's tourism sector.
Officiated by HKTB's South and Southeast Asia regional director David Leung, the launch held in Mumbai showcased the colourful journey of discovery of Hong Kong's new image with its array of diverse and multidimensional offerings leveraging on the opening of various tourism projects in Hong Kong in 2005 and 2006.
Addressing the guests at the launch event, Leung said the 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year global marketing campaign would not only generate immediate visitor arrivals, but also provide the impetus for sustained growth from the Indian market during the coming years. The campaign is expected to bring total arrivals to a new record of 27 million and total tourism expenditure to exceed the HK$100 billion mark to reach HK$114.7 billion.
"India is a very important market for Hong Kong. Last year, we welcomed 244,364 Indian residents, the highest number ever, and the 11.2 per cent growth in arrivals in the first ten months of 2005 equally underlines the depth of Hong Kong's appeal in India, one of our key markets in this region." he said.
As a prelude to this global promotion, Hong Kong recently hosted a shoot for the popular Star Plus serial Kavyanjali. The shoot was held in various Hong Kong's attractions including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Avenue of Stars, Murray House, and Symphony of Lights.
This promotion was further supported by a consumer contest with Radio Mirchi in Mumbai; and HKTB has also developed a drama map titled "Discover Kavyanjali in Hong Kong" with Hindustan Times as the media partner to bring visitors on the trail of the Kavyanjali's Hong Kong experience.
To maximise the campaign's impact and effectiveness, high yield business travellers from India will be one of priority market segments for HKTB. "More than 60 per cent of our overnight arrivals from India come on business. We'll therefore take advantage of our new tourism assets and host mega events to encourage business visitors to stay longer and also bring companions with them, so that their loved ones can experience Hong Kong's myriad attractions." added Leung.
